RSS

Tag Archives: theology

That close……

10 Jun

That close……

Romans 10:8-11 But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith which we preach): that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.”

The Apostle Paul had a heart for the Jews and their Salvation. He longed for them to see the err of their ways and to realize that their Christ had come to save the world. That they need not try to earn their righteousness by their works, but confess and believe and accept what He has done for them. Christ can be found living inside you, not only in Heaven sitting at the right hand of the Father; He is attainable NOW. Luke 17:20-21  Now when He was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He answered them and said, “The kingdom of God does not come with observation; nor will they say, ‘See here!’ or ‘See there!’ For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you.” God has placed that desire inside you for better things; for good and not evil.

When you confess your sin, repent of your sin asking for Christ’s forgiveness, and accept Him as Lord of your life, you are Justified in God’s eyes and saved from eternal punishment of denying what Christ did for you at Calvary. The pride and denial are the walls that will surround you in Hell in eternal punishment if you deny The Gospel of Grace. It is impossible to earn your way into heaven, but possible to humbly accept the free gift of Grace. The Jews were spending daily time with God, but they thought it was earning them righteousness, and they were mad at Paul for preaching Free Grace to all people. We are all the same in God’s eyes and His invitation is extended to everyone. Romans 10:12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon Him. Those tugs you feel in your heart sometimes is God letting you know that you cannot do life without Him. He is that close, within you, if you answer His call.

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on June 10, 2012 in Daily Devotions

 

Tags: , , , , ,

What have you given the kiddo’s?

08 Jun

What have you given the kiddo’s?

Ephesians 1:17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him,

Ah the demon of anxiety rears his head, and mornings like these must be bathed in God’s Word and prayer. I awoke thinking of the graduations of all our children this week, the next steps in life for them, the changes that are coming. Many of them will be on their own in college and life, many are making the next steps. I awoke thinking of writing of Wisdom. Somewhere in my study, Satan creeped in and has made my morning difficult.

I pray that somewhere in your heart, you have shared the Greatest Gift with your children; the gift of an eternal Savior, Jesus Christ. How will they know if you do not teach them? They will be tugged away by the society that we live in that teaches self love and preservation at all costs. If they are headed off into the ‘real world’, have you prepared them, and their hearts?

Our greatest responsibility as a parent is to teach our children of what lies in the life after this, and that life is one of paradise or torment. Our eternal responsibility is to show them the Way through Christ for the forgiveness of their sins, and to a security that this world cannot steal away from them. This wisdom is eternal, and is gained at no expense but approaching God with a humble heart. James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.

Invest in your children more than just parenting, or being their friend. Share with them eternity and the answer to it through Christ. You have less than 20yrs of their lives to make the impressions of them to last more than just this lifetime.

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on June 8, 2012 in Daily Devotions

 

Tags: , , , , ,

Your Mission Field

07 Jun

Your Mission Field

Matthew 19:29 And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life.

This morning I have those in the Mission Field on my mind. Our team is leaving for Alaska today, and I know personally of two other missionary journey’s in the coming weeks I will be in prayer for. I could think of six people and families from CCC that are in the process or already have given their lives for Christ; spreading His name globally. An amazing fact from just our church. They are true disciples, putting God first in all their lives. They are not seeking the rewards found here in prosperity, but seeking eternal rewards in the dedication of their lives now for service to Him. Luke 14:33 So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple. I have the upmost respect for them and believe that God puts a special tug on a missionary’s heart for that pursuit; forsaking all for that Call they have felt from Him.

You have a mission field too, even without going to Alaska or abroad. Your mission field is where your feet find you today. God has placed you there for His purpose and you can invest your time drawing glory to Him. Everyone that surrounds you is influenced by you without even realizing it many times. We can even deny that influence, but it remains there in the subconscious unknowingly. So do you project Christ? You can project Him in anything and everything you do when you perform the drudgery of your duties to the best of your abilities. You can be a missionary or disciple when you share why you do these things as God honoring. Colossians 3:23-24 And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.

Make your investment in the things that will matter for eternity, and have the promise of God in an eternal reward. Matthew Henry said of verse 29; “Thousands have dealt with Christ, and have trusted him far; but never any one lost by him, never any one but was an unspeakable gainer by him, when the account came to be balanced. Christ here gives his word for it, that he will not only indemnify his suffering servants, and save them harmless, but will abundantly reward them.” Spend time today investing in your mission field showing the love of Christ that you posses and those that surround you will want to know what makes you different. That is your opportunity to truly share the Good News, or the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on June 7, 2012 in Daily Devotions

 

Tags: , , , , ,

The Key

06 Jun

The Key

Galatians 2:20-21 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain.”

I am always constantly amazed by the way God aligns His messages around us. The sermons we hear, our conversations with other Christians, even sometimes secular viewpoints, and His Word. The last 24 hours I have been surrounded by the “good deeds” and hypocrisy views. Two broads subjects that are many times woven together. The Apostle Paul in Galatians 2 had been confronting the Apostle Peter regarding hypocrisy and how Peter conducted himself depending upon who was present. Peter was walking both sides of the road in the Jewish traditions, and then the Gospel to the Gentiles. Paul called him out on it! We are not saved by traditions or good works; period.

Romans 6:4-11 speaks about how we have been crucified with Christ also, and we are dead to sin. Romans 6:11 Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord. The Law is designed to convict us of our sin. It points us to Christ. It is what God demands, yet we cannot meet His requirements of perfection. All of the good deeds we strive to attain are futile wasted efforts without Christ. If we could attain what God requires to come into paradise with Him, why would He have sent His Son to die such a horrible death? Romans 3: 4-26 speaks much about this. Romans 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

You will NEVER attain heaven through any life of good works. Satan will have you join him in Hell for eternity with that belief system. You can only attain heaven by the humble acceptance of the One who died to forgive your sins as the only way to open the door to paradise. John 14:6 I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man comes to the Father but by Me. Trample your pride under the power of Christ and ask Him for the key.

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on June 6, 2012 in Daily Devotions

 

Tags: , , , , ,

A True Son

05 Jun

A True Son

1 Timothy 1:2 To Timothy, a true son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.

I was praying this morning for strength, direction, and comfort from God in His Word this morning. I had a very long, very rough Monday, and as I prayed I opened up my Bible and just asked God to give me an encouraging word on that page. The verse above in 1 Timothy stood out to me and gave me great encouragement. A true son –  as I looked deeper into ‘true’ the legitimate definition stood out. I studied farther into ‘true son’ and found  1 John 5:20 And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life. There is the Gospel or the Good News.

You and I are legitimate sons and heirs through Christ for eternal life with God. It just doesn’t get any better than that. You will inherit a kingdom, and Christ has prepared a mansion for you to live with Him. John 14:2 In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. Through the legitimate Son of God, His Spirit will live inside you and open up His Word to you. Luke 24:45 And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures. How can you understand the Bible if you don’t have the Spirit living inside you to reveal it’s truth’s to you? The Bible will come alive to you like never before once you accept the Son as your Savior. You will become a legitimate child through God’s Grace and Christ’s blood that paved your eternal road in gold to eternity in His presence. Humble your heart, repent of your sin, open the door, and let Him in. You are now a true son.

Thank you Jesus!

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on June 5, 2012 in Daily Devotions

 

Tags: , , , , ,

Veils

04 Jun

Veils

Exodus 34:29 Now it was so, when Moses came down from Mount Sinai (and the two tablets of the Testimony were in Moses’ hand when he came down from the mountain), that Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone while he talked with Him.

Today is a little different for my mind is still fascinated by the time in study last night. I am not sure I am prepared to try and wrap it into a OneMinuteMinistry.

Moses had returned to Mt. Sinai to meet with God again alone. He had come down from His first meeting and found Israel worshiping an idol and had lost his temper. He had returned to meet with God on the mountain and he pleaded with God to see Him. God granted his request, but would not let Moses see His face. When Moses came down from the mountain and spoke to his people his face glowed from being in God’s presence. There is so much to unpack in that statement alone. But Moses did not know His face shown until later and he took a veil and covered his face. Each time afterwards he returned from meeting the Lord he veiled his face so that the children of Israel could not see how fast it faded away. 2 Corinthians 3:13 unlike Moses, who put a veil over his face so that the children of Israel could not look steadily at the end of what was passing away. That fading away quickly is still heavy on my mind.

In further study this morning in 2 Corinthians 3, it speaks of the veil being removed through Christ. 2 Corinthians 3:16-17 Nevertheless when one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. Paul is speaking of the differences in the Law of the Old Testament, and the Liberty that is found in Christ. Matthew Henry wrote, “Or, when any particular person is converted to God, then the veil of ignorance is taken away; the blindness of the mind, and the hardness of the heart, are cured. 2. The condition of those who enjoy and believe the gospel is much more happy. For, (1.) They have liberty: Where the Spirit of the Lord is, and where he worketh, as he does under the gospel-dispensation, there is liberty (v. 17), freedom from the yoke of the ceremonial law, and from the servitude of corruption; liberty of access to God, and freedom of speech in prayer. The heart is set at liberty, and enlarged, to run the ways of God’s commandments.”

I was talking with my best friend about the differences in the lives of Christians before and after Christ, and the strains of living a Godly life before He came for our Salvation. What is available today through the acceptance of Him is a privilege that will remove the veil from your eyes and heart, and allow you to see God too.

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on June 4, 2012 in Daily Devotions

 

Tags: , , , ,

They still point in the right direction

03 Jun

They still point in the right direction

Philippians 1: 18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice.

Paul was in prison, and wherever Paul was he was preaching the Gospel of Christ. He was bound in chains and could have asked God ‘why’ and sunk into misery and depression as a result of his imprisonment. Paul suffered for Christ greatly after Christ visited him on the Damascus Road. Christ even sent Ananias to Paul and told him in Acts 9:16 For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake.” Paul understood unlike many of the teachers today that we will be required to suffer for His name, and all of those happenings can be used to glorify Him in it. He understood that wherever His feet were that day, was God’s Will for him that day, and he was to use that day to glorify God. Philippians 1:12 But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel.

One of my good friends came to know Christ through a popular TV pastor who is what in today’s terms we would call a ‘Prosperity Preacher’. His preaching is of the idea that if you don’t have all the blessings Christ intends for you now, you don’t have enough faith. But my friend also  is wise enough to see the Truth now; and does not judge that pastor, for he sees him preaching Christ too. Look at how Paul was dealing with similar circumstances: Philippians 1: 15 Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife, and some also from good will: 16 The former preach Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my chains; 17 but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel. 18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice. Even in the misguided steps of many of today’s pastors, Christ is being preached. If they are preaching Salvation only through the blood of Christ, once you accept that, and your relationship and discernment grow, you too many see their err. Seek God daily with all your heart, mind, soul, body and strength. These things will open your eyes and allow you to see clearly the path He has for you today; and how you can glorify Him either in your blessings or your sufferings for that day.

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on June 3, 2012 in Daily Devotions

 

Tags: , , , , ,

Ain’t Done Yet

02 Jun

Ain’t Done Yet

Philippians 1:6  being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;

Project 639, section 4, article 6b – status – in process, uncompleted. Do you have a “to do” list like that? Projects started, improvements or repairs made, yet lacking completion? Dana could write a book on mine. What if your life was like that in God’s eyes? Once you believe in His Son and you accept the Grace you have been given, He has begun that work in you. John 6:29 Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.” The first part of that ‘project’ is the accepting of Christ as the Savior of your soul, and the Grace that God has bestowed upon you. Grace is a free gift of something you don’t deserve, and surely are not ‘entitled’ to. Ephesians 2:1 And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins.

Matthew Henry said, “ The work of grace is but begun in this life; it is not finished here; as long as we are in this imperfect state there is something more to be done.” So much of this work rests on and builds our faith. Our faith is the evidence of the hope and peace we possess now, and the security of the future we have with Christ. This building of our faith is a work of God and it will and should grow until Christ returns for us. Is there something in this world that is hindering your faith and Christian growth? Remove it; it is that simple. Let God grow you by removing those things that keep your relationship from growing with Him. Even in the trials of life He is at work in you. Rejoice in that work! Romans 12:12 rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer. God will never start something and not complete it for He is a God of perfection and cannot lie. That includes you, once you find rest in His Grace and let him do His work.

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on June 2, 2012 in Daily Devotions

 

Tags: , , , , ,

How much is enough?

31 May

How much is enough?

Deuteronomy 6:5 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.

In my studies last night I was in Deuteronomy. I loved Dr. Williams quote “This book is especially loved by the Savior and hated by the devil.” When I did a search this morning for ‘with all your soul’, it came up seven times in Deuteronomy. Christ even quoted Deuteronomy three times when He was tempted by Satan in the desert. So what does it mean to love as in the verse above? Your heart, soul, and mind is the whole you, the essence of your being, the way you are wired. In Christ’ rebuking of Satan he quoted Deuteronomy  8:3 So He humbled you, allowed you to hunger, and fed you with manna which you did not know nor did your fathers know, that He might make you know that man shall not live by bread alone; but man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord. Is there a desire within you to know more of God, to live for every word you can absorb from His Holy Word?

What you desire is a measurement of where your heart lies. This is a broad statement that demands self analysis, and prayer for God to realign us to Him. The world and all the distractions of it will draw our desire, or our hearts, away from God. Satan entices us continually with those things of desire to draw us away from the first and greatest commandment. Matthew 22:37-38 Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. God has told us that there is nothing higher than our love for Him on His priority list. Total dedication from every fiber of our being; putting Him first in all things, seeking Him in His Word and desiring more. I believe these scriptures describe a love and desire that is never satisfied, but a desire to always draw closer to God every step of every day for the rest of our lives here…..and reap the rewards for an eternity.

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on May 31, 2012 in Daily Devotions

 

Tags: , , , , ,

The Good News

28 May

The Good News

I have a thought in my head haunting me that I heard on a Christian radio sermon recently. “If you are not preaching a Gospel that will preach in a third world country, you are not preaching the Gospel.” There is a lot packed into that one sentence, and I don’t know that I could begin to unpack it in a “OneMinuteMinistry”. But I get what they were trying to say. The Gospel includes and begins at Creation.

Creation –Romans 1:20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse. Paul is pointing out the proof of Creation that is evident to everyone, and refuting the ideas of today’s “Big Bang Theories” or Evolution.

The Fall of Man – Genesis 3:6 So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate. Paradise was lost here in the garden of Eden when Satan deceived Adam and Eve; and as decedents of them we were all born into sin. As a punishment for that sin and the disconnect with a perfect Holy God, there had to be a way to reconnect.

The Savior – John 3:15-18 that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. This is the Gospel, which The Gospel means The Good News.

The Good News is that God has provided a way into His Holy presence in eternal paradise with Him through the sacrifice of His Son. He came and paid the price for your sins by dying on a Cross and bearing the weight of your sin for eternity. He “Justified” your sin in an eternal holy court, finding you not guilty by accepting that price he paid as the only way into heaven. John 14:6 I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man comes to the Father but by through Me. This is a free gift from God. The only requirement is the humbling of yourself by repenting of your sins and asking for forgiveness of them through the blood on that Cross. That is the best “Good News” I can give you today in a world that is far from God.

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on May 28, 2012 in Daily Devotions

 

Tags: , , , , ,

← Older posts
Newer posts →